Now arriving in showrooms, the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze officially lays claim to being one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. Larger but nearly 250 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the newest Cruze boasts a stellar 42 mpg EPA highway mark in L, LS and LT trims when fitted with the new direct-injected 153-horsepower/1.4-liter turbocharged engine backed by an optional 6-speed automatic. That combo also nets 30 mpg in the city thanks to start/stop technology. Each of those numbers drops by one mpg on versions with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.
Also: Class of 2016 — New Cars Ready to Roll
Of its non-hybrid/non-EV rivals, the new Cruze’s highway number is matched by only the 2016 Ford Focus with a turbocharged 3-cylinder and a manual transmission and the 2017 Honda Civic Sedan with a 1.5-liter turbo four mated to a CVT. Currently Chevy’s second-best-selling passenger car, the Cruze Sedan adds a Hatchback this fall along with a more fuel-efficient turbodiesel.
More Compact Cars…
Check out our Compact Car Buyer’s Guide for a look at what’s new and what’s next.
